Swimming is a well-known form of exercise. It helps overall health, burns calories, tones muscles, lifts your mood, and can improve sleep.
Less well known is how useful swimming can be for rehabilitation. If you’ve had an injury and are dealing with its effects, swimming could be a gentle way to stay active during recovery. Always check with a doctor before starting any rehab exercise.
Swimming can also help with the emotional stress that often follows an accident or a personal injury claim. The water can be calming and help improve your mental well-being. Many GPs even recommend swimming to patients, and below are some reasons why it’s a top choice for recovery.
Easy on your joints
Unlike running, aerobics, or many sports, swimming keeps you fit without putting your full weight on your joints. The water’s buoyancy supports your body, spreading out the load so no single part takes all the pressure. You can also try different strokes to find one that suits your injury.
Low-impact
Swimming lets you stay active without adding strain to an injury. Being in the water usually won’t increase pain the way some exercises can, so it’s a safer option for many people. Still, get approval from a medical professional before you begin.
Gently stretches the body
If you’re struggling to stay mobile after an injury, swimming gives your body a chance to stretch gently without overworking muscles. This can help speed recovery. Be sure to warm up and stretch before you swim to improve flexibility in your hips, shoulders, chest, and legs.
You’re in control
When you’re recovering, it’s important to listen to your body and stay within your limits. Swimming makes it easy to adjust intensity—if something hurts, you can slow down or change strokes. The water supports movement, letting you move more comfortably while you tailor exercise to your needs.
Encourages socialising
Pools and leisure centres are social places. Meeting people and joining classes or water aerobics can boost your mood and sense of well-being, which is especially helpful during recovery.
Improves sleep
Swimming is accessible to many people and can help with sleep. Studies have shown that regular aerobic activity can improve sleep quality and overall quality of life, including for older adults with insomnia.
Helps you stay positive
Injury can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to high-intensity activity. Swimming can lift your mood and help you keep fitness while you recover, with less risk of re-injury. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and well-being. Being in water may also improve blood flow to the brain, supporting brain function.
How to get started
Look up your local leisure centre to check swim times and plan when to go. If you want a more relaxed experience, try outdoor swimming or a spa that offers pool access—many have introductory deals.
Start with lessons
If you’ve never had lessons, consider signing up for private or group classes. You’ll learn basic strokes, breathing techniques, and tips to get the most from your time in the water. You may also find a physiotherapist who specialises in water-based therapy to guide your recovery.